Genistein Aglycone: A Dual Mode of Action Anti-Osteoporotic Soy Isoflavone Rebalancing Bone Turnover Towards Bone Formation

摘要

Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue leading to en-nhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk. Bone loss further increases in postmenopausal women nwhen the ovaries stop making estrogens. Women undergoing treatment for osteoporosis require long-term dosing thera-npeutic regimens, that offer no symptomatic relief, and may cause side effects. To avoid this problem, many therapeutic al-nternatives have been proposed. Epidemiological data support a robust relationship between soy isoflavones, fracture inci-ndence and bone mineral density in osteoporotic, postmenopausal women. These suggest that a high isoflavone intake, re-nstores the metabolic balance of bone formation and resorption. However, this matter is still controversial and several re-nports show negative results, probably because different doses and/or isoflavones have been used. Although it is difficult to nidentify the specific isoflavone most involved in preventing or restoring bone loss, a review of current literature based on nnew encouraging preclinical and clinical data, indicates that aglycone genistein appears to be the most effective isoflavone nin preserving bone health. Genistein aglycone, through a peculiar anti-osteoporotic dual mode of action, can positively nregulate bone cell metabolism rebalancing bone turnover towards bone formation. Genistein in fact stimulates osteoblast nand inhibits osteoclast function, mainly through the osteoprotegerin-sRANKL system. The positive results achieved by ngenistein aglycone intake, in terms of efficacy and safety, have stimulated the development of specially formulated medi-ncal food products for the clinical management of postmenopausal bone loss.